But the Calgary Flames GM didn’t declare the captain was off-limits, either.

That said, the speculation over the uncertainty of Iginla’s future in Calgary is taking a toll on everyone in the franchise.

“The whole thing about the trades all the time is awful. It’s awful not just for the captain. It’s awful for all of the guys. It clearly doesn’t matter what I say. It doesn’t matter how many times I say I’m not doing this, it still swirls,” Feaster said, later adding he was not treating Iginla any differently than any other player in his current assessments.

Head coach Brent Sutter, whose fate is also unknown with a contract set to expire June 30, feels for the 34-year-old face of the franchise right now.

“Right, wrong or indifferent, there’s been so much on Jarome here the last few days,” Sutter said. “I understand why — I really do. Obviously he’s been the face of this franchise and been an outstanding player here.

“Jarome’s a very good hockey player. He’s a guy that of course the focal point gets put on him just because of what he’s done for this franchise and how good of a player he’s been.”

There’s a chance both men, neither or one of them will return next year. Sutter is fine with whatever situation plays out.

“You know what? If it happens to be that both Jarome and I are back in that dressing room, I know that Jarome’s gonna want to do the right thing, and I am gonna do the right thing,” he said. “We’re all gonna put it to work and make sure that we get this thing back to where it needs to be.”

If the team decides to go younger, and Iginla decides he wants out, Sutter is OK with that, too.

“I totally respect Jarome’s feelings on that. He wants to play on a winner. He wants to finish his career and have an opportunity, have a chance to have some success on a team that can win — and if that can be here, outstanding.”